Sunday, August 26, 2012

Why are you with them

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RapeX

Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Daily Aspirin Dose Cuts Cancer Risk, New Study Says



A new study suggests that those people who take a low-dose aspirin on a daily basis lower their risks of dying from cancer over a number of years. This newest study finds that risks of dying of cancer are up to 16 percent lower when people took an aspirin every day for an extended period of time.

More specifically, the 16 percent figure reflects an average of all types of cancer. In cases of oesophageal, stomach and colorectal cancer there was a drop in deaths from the disease of about 40 percent, the Raw Story notes. But deaths from other types of cancer not linked to the digestive system still dropped by about 12 percent, which means that an overall 16 percent may be a promising lead in preventative cancer measures.

Original research published back in March by Oxford University researcher Peter Rothwell had originally presented a much more optimistic finding about aspirin’s effect on mortality rates. In that study, he reported that those who took aspirin daily for three years could cut their risk of cancer by 25 percent. This newest study demotes that number to a much more modest figure with variable effects.

This newest study, led by Eric Jacobs, looked at just over 100,000 men and women who had no prior history of cancer. Of course, a myriad of variables play into how the aspirin works. For example, the drug did not reduce lung cancer among smokers because that activity cancels out any positive effects of an aspirin regimen.

Researchers remain wary of using aspirin purely as a cancer prevention treatment at the present moment until further research has been conducted, notes the Telegraph. A great many mysteries remain about how and why aspirin has this effect on the body. Some scientists suggest that it reduces inflammation, and may even help stop cancer cells from sticking to blood platelets.

Although the study shows a general trend, aspirin also comes with other side effects because it is a blood thinner and can cause episodes of bleeding in the stomach, especially in older patients. The mysterious effects of aspirin and the potential harms still need further research in order to flesh out how it may become an effective measure in the fight against cancer.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/daily-aspirin-dose-cuts-cancer-risk-new-study-says.html#ixzz24M1SX6bx

7 of the Most Unhealthy, Cancer-Causing Foods


Let’s face it: it’s challenging to eat all-healthy foods all the time. Sometimes we just want an easy pre-processed meal for a late dinner, while other times we choose to indulge in a junky treat as a comfort food. But do you know the difference between foods with a little extra fat or sugar, and foods that contain dangerous carcinogens which could do long-term damage to your health? You might be surprised!
There are seven extra-unhealthy, carcinogen-laden foods in particular that you should be sure to avoid. Read on to find out what they are and what ill effects they can have—for your health’s sake!
(List and information via Renegade Health.)

1. Processed Meat: Meats preserved by smoking, curing, or salting, or that contain chemical preservatives, are linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Most are manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite, used to turn packaged meats a bright red color so they look fresh. A 2005 study from the University of Hawaii found that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Hot dogs, in particular, are made up of meat scraps, including organs, nerve tissue, bone pieces, and other unsavory animal parts. Animals that donate them are likely to have been fed grains laced with hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and fecal matter. After a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) declared that consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives. These include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami, and virtually all red meat used in frozen and prepared meals.


2. Soda: It’s loaded with calories, sugar, and artificial ingredients, and has no nutritional benefit. One can of soda contains the equivalent of ten packets of sugar. According to studies, most popular diet and sugared sodas are nearly as corrosive to dental enamel as battery acid, leading to an increase in tooth sensitivity and cavities despite good dental hygiene. A study from the University of Minnesota found that people who drank as little as two soft drinks a week faced almost double the risk of pancreatic cancer. Dark-colored sodas contain a chemical known as 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), a byproduct of chemical processing used to create the artificial dye that gives these sodas their color. Studies have linked 4-MI to cancer. Pepsi and Coca-Cola recently announced they would modify the coloring to avoid a cancer-warning label newly required by California law. A UCLA study also directly linked soda with obesity.

3. Regular Potato Chips: They’re full of artery-clogging trans fats, high glycemic carbohydrates, sodium, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. High temperatures used to cook them typically cause the formation of carcinogenic substances like acrylamide, which is also found in cigarettes. Clark University professor Dale Hattis is quoted as saying, “I estimate that acrylamide causes several thousand cancers per year in Americans.” Even those with reduced trans fat may contain acrylamide.



4. Microwave Popcorn: Chemicals in the lining of the bag, including perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to researchers at UCLA. In testing, the chemicals caused liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancers. Microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize, and migrate into your popcorn. Many manufacturers have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015. Until then, it’s best to pop kernels the old fashioned way.

5. Farmed Salmon: According to David Carpenter, M.D., director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, farmed salmon is not only lower in vitamin D than wild-caught, but higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, flame retardants, and pesticides including DDT. “You can only safely eat one of these salmon dinners every 5 months without increasing your risk of cancer,” Carpenter stated. These fish are also typically treated with high levels of antibiotics.


6. Conventional Apples (and Other “Dirty” Fruits): According to a survey by the Environmental Working Group, apples are the most pesticide-contaminated produce on average, with pesticides showing up on 98 percent of the more than 700 samples tested. Other highly contaminated produce included grapes, strawberries, cilantro, potatoes, and oranges, all of which had more than 90 percent of samples testing positive for pesticide residue. In addition to being toxic to humans, pesticides may increase the risk of some cancers, with some studies indicating that maternal exposure may increase the risk of lowered child I.Q. and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Choose organic for these items.

7. Canned Tomatoes: The lining of most canned foods contains bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that acts as an estrogen and disrupts hormonal activity in the body. Studies show that BPA may be linked to heart disease, intestinal damage, and infertility and other reproductive issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is widespread exposure to BPA in the United States. Though all canned foods are of concern, tomatoes are particularly dangerous because their high acidity causes BPA to leach into them. University of Missouri endocrinologist Frederick vom Saal, Ph.D., notes that you can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that’s a high enough level to impact people, particularly children.


Do you have other foods you avoid at all costs?


How to stop a headache


Headaches are so common that it’s unlikely for people not to experience them at least once in their lifetime. That nagging pain can be caused by a number of factors including stress, hormones or fatigue, certain medications, diet, or some medical conditions. While the occasional headache is generally not cause for concern, in some cases head pain can point to more serious health problems so it’s important to consult your doctor if your headaches are persistent or affecting your life.






Top remedies to halt a headache

Stretch
Gently stretching your neck and head may relieve some of the pressure that has built up, or at least stop it from worsening.


Get some shut-eye
Sleeping might give your body the time it needs to release the tension. If you’re unable to sleep, try to relax. Close your eyes in a quiet, dim room.


Go for a walk
Getting some fresh air and gentle exercise may help to clear your head so if you’re up for it, go for a walk.


Get a massage
A soothing massage can help some people, so consider booking yourself an appointment.




Many over-the-counter medications target headaches, such as Paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacist which is most appropriate for you and use as directed. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Bill Cosby - "I'm 74 and Tired"

Bill Cosby "I'm 74 and Tired" (Born July 12, 1937)

 
 
 

"I'm 74 and Tired" Worth reading...

This should be required reading for every man, woman and child in Jamaica,
the UK , United States of America , Canada , Australia and New Zealand.  
 

"I'm 74 and I'm Tired"


I'm 74
. Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and  I'm tired. Very tired. 

I'm tired
of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.     
 

I'm tired
of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.

I'm tired
of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?

I'm tired
of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor. 

I'm really tired
of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's and even 40’s be-deck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government.

Yes, I'm damn tired.
But I'm also glad to be 74. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and her children.   Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.


There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!


This is your chance to make a difference.

 

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

HAPPY WOMEN'S MONTH



This Applies To You


A good woman is proud of herself.


She respects herself and others.
She is aware of who she is.
She neither seeks definition from the person she is with,
nor does she expect them to read her mind.
She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful.
She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.
She knows love, therefore she gives love.
She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.
If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration, a dabble of endurance.
She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.
A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future.

A good woman knows God.
She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played.
A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.
Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons, meant to bring her closer to
self knowledge and
unconditional self love.
Girls Smile.....YOU KNOW YOU HAVE IT GOING ON!
So Keep ON Keeping On.

I just sent this to good women .............. why don't you?

HAPPY WOMEN'S MONTH




Tuesday, August 14, 2012

How to Ask Your Friend to Pay Back the Money They Owe You



Sometimes, a friend may come along who isn't so hesitant about taking money, but hesitant when it comes to giving it back. All it takes is a firm reminder and a little patience!

Steps:

Tell your friend that you will not lend anymore money until they pay the previous amount back. This is an effective way of getting it paid off, but they will just turn around and borrow money again, so it's half-and-half.

Remind them every 2-3 days for about a week. If they still haven't paid it back, move on to the next step.

Pull them off to the side and make sure neither one of you are distracted. Say something such as, "It's fine that you borrowed money from me, but I'm getting very impatient. I need that money and I'd like you to give it to me by (deadline)."

Be polite. You can be firm without being aggressive. Never, ever make intimidating threats such as "if you don't give me my money back, I'm gonna make you'".

Talk to them again after about a month, but this time, you must be a lot more firm! Raise your voice at them and tell them if they don't pay you back soon, you will quit giving them money. However, if your friend owes you large sums of money, wait to do this after about two months.

If over 3 months pass and your friend still does not pay you then let them know that you do not want to see them again until they pay you. However, don't think that the friendship is about money. Did you just give money to your friend just so they could pay you?

If you are still unsuccessful, accept the fact that you have lost your money for good and you have learned a valuable lesson. If it was a very large sum of money your last resort should be legal action.

If you are willing to use legal action be sure to have evidence that this is a trespass to title meaning that you gave your friend temporary title of the money instead of possession. Whoever has the greater right to title or possession will win. You will also have the burden of proof so be prepared. If you have any evidence at all that he knows he has the money and he will pay you back then that is your strongest piece of evidence.

Tips:

  • If possible, don't lend anyone money.
  • If you have to remind your friend to pay you back, then there is a good chance they are counting on you forgetting. If your friend seems as if he is purposely trying to get you to forget then let him know right away that it seems as if he is trying to "steal" your money. If he argues how it is not stealing then he is most likely never going to pay you. If he says he is sorry and he will pay you later, he is probably sincere about his feelings.
  • Assess your friends before giving them money. At what amount can you really trust them with? How sure are you that you can get it back?
  • Only lend your friends what you feel comfortable with losing because you can never be sure you can get it back.
  • Ask them to sign a I.O.U. with a deadline and politely remind them when that day comes closer and closer.



  • Warnings:

  • If your friend is spending large amounts of your money on alcohol/drugs, get help. Your friend may have an addiction.
  • Don't ask about it every day, as this can be very irritating!


  • http://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Your-Friend-to-Pay-Back-the-Money-They-Owe-You

    When Friends and Family Ask for Money

    Your brother needs to borrow money to pay the mortgage on a house he could have never afforded in the first place. Your parents’ 401k has been decimated, and they need a little help. Your sister is drowning in credit card debt, and it is up to you to throw her a lifeline.

    Commercial lenders are making it harder to borrow money; the job market is shrinking, and nest eggs and emergency funds have been sapped by sinking stock prices. So naturally, people are turning to family and friends to help them through the troubled economy.

    Family lending is typically done out of a sense of duty or obligation. These transactions are as much emotional as they are financial, and they rarely end well. We have all been conditioned to “take care of our own,” but here are five things to consider before you open your wallet or your checkbook for a loved one.

    1.) Look at your financial situation. If you’re struggling to make ends meet and don’t have at least a six-month emergency fund of your own, you can’t even afford to think about lending anybody money. You should also never tap into money earmarked for retirement and education savings. If your friend or relative does not understand this…
    2.) Don’t be an enabler. If the person asking you for money is unwilling to talk about living beyond their means and does not seem genuinely interested in creating a spending plan, don’t lend them money. If you do, you’re being an enabler, not a friend. If they are not overhauling their financial habits, your money will only land them in more financial trouble down the road.

    3.) Know yourself. Many financial planners tell their clients to “Just say no,” but you have to decide how well you will be able to live with your decision. How would you really feel if you didn’t help your parents when they needed it? Are there things you can do besides giving them money, like helping them find a financial planner and create a budget, etc.? What can you really live with?

    4.) Be realistic. If you decide to give your relatives money, realize that you are unlikely to get it back. Think of it as a gift and talk to your accountant about the IRS codes for gift giving.

    5.) Remember it’s not just your decision because it’s not just your money. Loaning money that you may not get back affects your spouse and children, too. Make sure that you discuss this with them before you make any decisions. Discuss the impact on your family budget, the impact on the situation and how the loan will make everyone feel about the family member or friend who is asking. Tensions often fester, so it is imperative to really find out how everybody feels. Decide together. In the end, you will be glad you are not solely responsible for the outcome.

    Once you’ve made your decision, be honest with the person who asked for the loan. Tell them how it relates to your financial situation and how you had to take your own family into consideration. If the answer is no, and they truly don’t understand, you have, without question, made the right decision.

    Honesty and respect are essential if your relationships—and your checkbooks—are to remain balanced.

    Breaking The Cycle Of Borrowing Money And Paying Interest


    Found this interesting article and wanted to share it as it is something a lot of people struggle with (including myself).



    http://www.ncnblog.com/2008/02/28/breaking-the-cycle-of-borrowing-money-and-paying-interest/

    For the first fifteen years of my adult life, I borrowed money for every major purchase. Three years ago, I decided to stop borrowing money and get out of debt. As you can imagine, going from a ‘borrower’ to a ‘non-borrower’ (Is that a word?) can be a difficult process.

    Here’s how I did it -

    1. I created two lists. List A was a list of my monthly expenses – by priority. List B was a list of monthly income. I realized, after making the lists, that I could live without using a credit card or borrowing money, but only if I reduced the number of items in list A.

    2. After establishing the fact that I COULD live without borrowing money, I then created a plan to insure that I WOULD live without borrowing money. So, I took the numbers from List A and List B and created a monthly budget.

    3. Once the budget had been created, I began to look for additional ways to reduce debt and increase savings. I quickly established an emergency fund of $1000. Throughout the ensuing debt reduction process, I always maintained an emergency fund balance between $800 and $2000. The emergency fund served as my new ‘credit card’. When an unexpected expense reared its ugly head – I would dip into my emergency fund, deal with the expense, and move forward.

    4. After creating the budget and establishing the emergency fund, I began to attack my debts. I used the debt snowball and in less than 10 months, I was debt free.

    Now, if you’ve made it this far, you’ll note that these four steps cover the ‘financial side’ of the process. But, what about the ‘personal side’? What changes took place, internally? How did a compulsive borrower become a competent saver?

    1. I began to consider the longterm ramifications of my spending/borrowing habits. I found a few online calculators and calculated how much money I was paying in interest – and how much money I was ‘losing’ by not contributing to my retirement accounts. Seeing these calculations had a profound effect – emotionally and psychologically.

    2. After realizing that ‘something’ had to be done – I sat down with my wife and we talked about what we wanted out of life. We both realized that we had ‘everything’ we wanted – except for financial security. We dedicated ourselves to a life of saving and frugality.

    3. I did not cut-up my credit cards or freeze them in the freezer or hide them in a sock drawer. I simply left them in my wallet – and refused to use them. I made up my mind that I would be different. Instead of ‘removing’ the temptation, I faced it head-on. Also, I made a promise to myself (and my readers) that I would do my level best to live without borrowing money. Making this promise ‘changed’ me.

    4. Instead of hiding my struggles, I began to seek the advice and council of money-smart folks. I asked questions and I listened to answers. Admitting my failures allowed me the freedom to accept constructive criticism. By the way – Most successful people are happy to share their methods, opinions, and time. All I really had to do was ask.

    Getting out of debt feels great. Living debt free feels even better. But, the entire process started when I made some ‘financial’ AND ‘personal’ changes. Instead of continuing the same behaviors – and foolishly anticipating different results – I radically changed my lifestyle – and enthusiastically anticipated progress.

    Tuesday, August 7, 2012

    The First Step

    Some Cool Household Tips








    God's Wings

    The painters of these Feathers are outstanding, but the message below the Feathers, "God's Wings," will touch your heart.......












    God's Wings

    After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.  One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.  Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.  When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.  The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.  She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies.  Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast...because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.

    'He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.'  (Psalm 91:4)

    My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless.  Please pass this on to people you want to be blessed.

    Time waits for no one.  Treasure every moment you have..  You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

    To realize the value of a Friend, you only have to lose one.

    Hoping for a Breast Cancer Cure

    The T-Shirt of the year.
    This is the cutest breast cancer email I have ever received.

    Monday, August 6, 2012

    How to Grow Moss



    Moss looks wonderful in the garden, especially on rocks and rock walls. It gives any garden a sense of age and weight. Getting moss to grow on rocks or on the ground in your garden simply requires you give the moss the growing conditions it needs and have some patience while it gets established.

    What Does Moss Like?

    Mosses like moisture, shade and generally prefer an acidic soil (5.0 - 6.0). Partial to full shade is essential. Hot afternoon sun will destroy a patch of moss in no time. Did you know that moss has no roots? It has little filaments that allow it to take up nutrients, but no true roots, so it will dry out even faster than groundcover plants.

    How to Get Moss to Grow on Soil

    The easiest way to get a patch of moss started is to take a piece from somewhere else and move it. Rake and scratch the surface of the soil you’re going to be putting it on, so that the filaments make good contacts. Wet the area and lay the moss on top of it. Press is well into the soil. It even helps if you pin it in place or put some light rocks on it to anchor it. Newly transplanted moss will need to be kept moist for the first few weeks. You can tell you moss as taken when it doesn’t lift with a light tug.
    I’ve heard that certain mosses will only grow on soil and others only on hard surfaces. I haven’t found a definitive answer on this, but it’s probably wise to take your transplant moss from a similar surface to minimize transplant problems.

    How to Get Moss to Grow on Rocks, Bricks or Pots

    It’s a little harder to start moss on a rock by simply lifting it and moving it. To grow moss on rocks, bricks or pots, many people have luck cultivating moss by mixing it with buttermilk and painting it on the new surface.

    Maintaining Moss

    To keep your moss growing well, you need to maintain ideal moss conditions: shade, moisture and a low soil pH. You’ll also need to keep the weeds out. Moss can’t compete for moisture with the roots of weeds.
    Be sure to remove fallen leaves in the fall.

    A Final Moss Growing Tip

    I wanted moss to grow around the edges of my raised water garden. To do this, I lined the top edge of my garden with landscape fabric and laid a small piece of moss on it. Since the fabric soaked up water and stayed moist, the moss took hold and spread quickly.
    So now when I want to start a new patch of moss, I put it on a scrap of landscape fabric and set it in on the side of my water garden, although a suspect a shallow tray of water would work as well. Once the moss filaments are attached to the landscape fabric, I can move the whole piece to the soil I’ve raked and prepared for transplanting. You’ll still need to keep it moist for several weeks, but it seems to make a stronger start.

    Application For Employment

    Wednesday, August 1, 2012

    Healthier treats


    Sometimes we just feel like a sweet treat or savoury treat. However, most treat items provide ‘empty calories’ which means no fibre, vitamins, or minerals. These result in blood sugar drops and can lead to feelings of tiredness. Importantly, eating is all about balance and moderation. Making a better choice is always the best way to go, so read labels and try to choose ‘treat’ items that are as close to less than 10g total fat as possible. Here are some great options to help you make healthier choices:



    Sweet treat options:

    Dark chocolate.
    Digestive biscuits.
    Try a children’s sweet cereal bar as they are much lower in fat.
    Carob or yoghurt-coated rice cakes.
    Crunchies or health rusks.
    Tinned fruit (in juice not syrup) with some low fat custard.
    Lite ice cream.
    Low fat frozen yoghurt.
    Strawberries dipped in chocolate (set in the fridge).
    Frozen grapes for a cold, sweet treat.
    Low fat, low GI sweet muffin.


    Savoury treat options:

    Low fat popcorn.
    Oven-baked pretzels.
    Vegetable chips (tip: make a low fat dip of smooth cottage cheese with herbs).
    Raw, unsalted nuts.
    Trail mix (seeds, mixed and dried fruit combinations).
    Vegetable sticks (such as carrots or snap peas) with ¼ tub hummus, mashed avocado, or low fat/fat-free cottage cheese.
    Low fat, low GI savoury muffin.
    Low fat, high fibre crackers with white cheese.
    Fat-free savoury crackers.

    Pit Bulls Saved By $1 Million Grant From PetSmart Charities

    by  - July 31, 2012 - 3:44 pm



    PetSmart Charities is doing their part to stop overcrowding in animal shelters and the senseless killing of two of the most euthanized pets across the country. They have awarded $1 million in grants for a nationwide spay and neuter campaign for pit bulls and cats.


    The campaign called “Primp Your Pit” is being offered during August at 63 non-profit spay and neuter clinics in 30 states. The goal is to sterilize 6,750 pit bulls during the month.

    The grant program, which hopes to reduce overcrowding in city animal shelters, offers spay and neuter surgeries for a special rate of $20, including a free nail trim.

    PetSmart Charities reports that 35 percent of cats and dogs in U.S. households are not spayed or neutered. “Pit bulls, in particular, end up in shelters in large numbers due to the myths and negative media and public perceptions that are associated with the breed.”

    “Our national grant program gives much-needed help to pit bull terriers that are especially at risk,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “Through the ‘Primp Your Pit’ promotion and our ongoing efforts to make affordable spay/neuter surgeries available to the public, pet parents can prevent unwanted litters and ensure their pet lives a long, happy life.

    Each year approximately 8 million pets end up in shelters and 4 million of them – about 11,000 a day – are euthanized. Many become homeless as a result of accidental litters from parents that are not fixed.

    In February the grant program ran another campaign to sterilize cats, called “Beat the Heat.” It tried to spay and neuter cats before “kitten season” began in the spring. The effort was very successful and spayed and neutered 17,000 cats in one month.

    Participating “Primp Your Pit” clinics are listed on the PetSmart Charities website.

    PetSmart Charities was established in 1994 as a non-profit organization to create and support programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.